Jean-Luc Ponty - Life Enigma
Violin, keyboards, synclavier, electronic percussion, electronic drums - Jean-Luc Ponty [click here to see more vinyl featuring Jean-Luc Ponty]
Piano – William Lecomte
Bass - Guy N'Sangue
Drums, shaker - Thierry Arpino
Percussion - Moustapha Cisse
Written by Jean-Luc Ponty
1 LP, gatefold jacket
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : unspecified
Label : MPS
Original Label : JLP Productions
Recorded in Enigmatic Studio – Studios de la Seine, Paris, France
Engineered by Jean-Luc Ponty
Mixed by Karim Sai
Produced by Jean-Luc-Ponty
Mastered by Greg Calbi
Design by Alan Chappell
Photography by Alvaro Yanez
Liner Notes by Jean-Luc Ponty
Originally released in August 2001
Reissued in May 2024
Tracks:
Side A:
- Two Thousand-One Years Ago
- Signals from Planet Earth
- The Infinite Human Caravan
- Lonely Among All
- Firmament
Side B :
- Pizzy Cat
- Life Enigma
- Even the Sun Will Die
- Love at Last Sight
- And Life Goes On
Reviews:
"After a delay of nearly five years since the release (in 1996) of his final Atlantic CD, Live at Chene Park, Jean-Luc Ponty's debut for his JLP label proves to be a finely hewed masterpiece from the violinist's studio workshop. He plays many of the instruments himself (keyboards, electronic drums and percussion, and synclavier) through overdubbing on most of the tracks, although it's readily apparent that these new compositions will work in performance with the talented supporting cast of his touring band. Ponty goes it alone on the richly textured "Two Thousand-One Years Ago," and the mournful "Lonely Among All." But "Pizzy Cat" (a playful shorthand reference to pizzicato), featuring Ponty unaccompanied, without overdubs, strumming and plucking his five-string Midi electric violin with synclavier, proves to be the most compelling of the solo performances. The band members join him in various combinations on the remaining tracks, with the full group heard only on "Firmament," which is seasoned with a catchy blend of Oriental and African flavorings. This is easily one of Jean-Luc Ponty's most compelling releases." AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden
Ratings :
AllMusic : 4 / 5 , Discogs : 3.57 / 5